(Newser)
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The armed group occupying the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon has scored what it sees as another victory against the federal government, exposing Ammon Bundy and his followers to an array of possible new criminal charges in the process. Bundy says that the group has gone through government documents stored inside buildings at the remote refuge and obtained information that exposes how local ranchers have been discriminated against, reports the AP. Bundy—who told reporters that the group hadn't accessed computers at the refuge—claimed that the documents could help free Dwight and Steven Hammond, local ranchers who are serving time in prison for burning federal land.

After speaking to reporters, the group proceeded to use a US Fish and Wildlife excavator to destroy part of a fence in a stunt the Oregonian describes as "perhaps the militants' boldest yet." Bundy—whose followers say they will stay as long as it takes to return federal land to the people—said the fence was installed last year to prevent a neighboring rancher's 600 cattle from grazing on government land. He claimed the rancher had asked for his help. Fish and Wildlife issued a statement saying that "removing fences, damaging any refuge property, or unauthorized use of equipment would be additional unlawful actions by the illegal occupiers." (A convoy of more armed men turned up at the refuge over the weekend.)

BURNS — Tim Puckett, the rancher whose cattle graze private rangeland adjoining the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, said he didn't give Ammon Bundy and his band of armed militants permission to enter the ranch Monday afternoon and destroy a publicly owned fence. In fact, Puckett said Tuesday that he has never spoken to Bundy, the leader of a militant group that has occupied the refuge headquarters compound since Jan. 2. The militants are protesting the federal government's land-use policies, advocating for public property to be turned over to local ranchers and loggers. "I am very upset," Puckett said. His ranch hands have already repaired the fence. "They're not coming onto my place no more," he said of the militants. "If they do, I'm gonna have to do something about it. I don't want them going across my ground." He said he has no beef with the Bureau of Land Management. "I work with BLM," Puckett said. "I have no problem with them." He said government officials told him of their plans to erect the fence, which he said "has not nor will it affect my cattle operation." "I am a good steward of the land. ... In no way do I feel that I am entitled to the refuge for grazing," he said. http://www.oregonlive.com/oregon-standoff/2016/01/rancher_i_didnt_know_anything.html

mind_riot

Jan 12, 2016 6:22 PM CST

uh oh looks like they got more proof the guv is screwing you guys. lol

DarthWD56

Jan 12, 2016 1:27 PM CST

Can't wait until all the people go home when they realize the govt wont accept their demands. Then the government will happily swoop in and arrest all these lunatics.